Fully committed

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to reflect on the commitment involved in living our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader.

Called to the journey

In the passage from the First Book of Kings, Elisha is called to succeed to Elijah’s position.

* [19:19–21] Elijah’s act of throwing his mantle over the shoulders of Elisha associates him with Elijah as a servant (v. 21). Elisha will later succeed to Elijah’s position and prophetic power (2 Kgs 2:1–15). Elisha’s prompt response, destroying his plow and oxen, signifies a radical change from his former manner of living.1 

The psalmist rejects the futile worship of false gods, preferring Israel’s God.

 * [Psalm 16] In the first section, the psalmist rejects the futile worship of false gods (Ps 16:2–5), preferring Israel’s God (Ps 16:1), the giver of the land (Ps 16:6). The second section reflects on the wise and life-giving presence of God (Ps 16:7–11).2

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Galatians stresses the importance of Faith in living the freedom for Service.

 * [5:13–26] In light of another reminder of the freedom of the gospel (Gal 5:13; cf. Gal 5:1), Paul elaborates on what believers are called to do and be: they fulfill the law by love of neighbor (Gal 5:14–15), walking in the Spirit (Gal 5:16–26), as is illustrated by concrete fruit of the Spirit in their lives.3

The Gospel from Luke describes Jesus departure for Jerusalem through Samaritan territory and the commitment asked of would-be followers of Jesus.

* [9:57–62] In these sayings Jesus speaks of the severity and the unconditional nature of Christian discipleship. Even family ties and filial obligations, such as burying one’s parents, cannot distract one no matter how briefly from proclaiming the kingdom of God. The first two sayings are paralleled in Mt 8:19–22; see also notes there.4 

Michael Kavan comments that as Jesus’ journey continues, his words to potential followers remind us not only of his love, but also that our journey with him is not an easy feat. We are asked to leave behind what is comfortable to us and to journey into the unknown with little more than our faith. A journey with Jesus involves sacrifice, risk, and a lot of tough decisions.

As we go through our day, I ask God for the strength to accept His invitation to come follow. Allow me to understand that the journey will not always be easy; difficult days and uncertainties lie ahead. But allow me to understand that I am not alone. Allow me to be open to the Holy Spirit as a guide that keeps me focused on my journey ahead and the importance of loving others as Jesus modeled so well for us with the Samaritans. After all, it is through his love that we gain closer proximity to the Kingdom of God.5 

Don Schwager quotes a prayer of Ignatius Loyola, (1491-1556)

 "Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess you have given me. I surrender it all to you to be disposed of according to your will.  Give me only your love and your grace - with these I will be rich enough and will desire nothing more."6

and... “Jesus' disciples must bear insult and suffering patiently,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD.

"It would be false to affirm that our Savior did not know what was about to happen, because he knows all things. He knew, of course, that the Samaritans would not receive his messengers. There can be no doubt of this. Why then did he command them to go before him? It was his custom to benefit diligently the holy apostles in every possible way, and because of this, it was his practice sometimes to test them... What was the purpose of this occurrence? He was going up to Jerusalem, as the time of his passion was already drawing near. He was about to endure the scorn of the Jews. He was about to be destroyed by the scribes and Pharisees and to suffer those things that they inflicted upon him when they went to accomplish all of violence and wicked boldness. He did not want them to be offended when they saw him suffering. He also wanted them to be patient and not to complain greatly, although people would treat them rudely. He, so to speak, made the Samaritans' hatred a preparatory exercise in the matter. They had not received the messengers... For their benefit, he rebuked the disciples and gently restrained the sharpness of their wrath, not permitting them to grumble violently against those who sinned. He rather persuaded them to be patient and to cherish a mind that is unmovable by anything like this." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 56)6 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 9:51-62 asks is Jesus being unreasonable? All this man wanted to do was say goodbye to his family before following Jesus. Didn’t Elijah permit Elisha to say his good-byes before leaving (1 Kings 19:19-21)? To make matters worse, Jesus’ response to the two other would-be disciples seems a little rigid, even unwelcoming. Was Jesus actually trying to discourage these people from following him?

If you’re suspecting that something deeper is going on here, you’re probably right. First, it helps to remember how this passage fits into Luke’s timeline: we have just learned that Jesus is now “resolutely” traveling to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). The hour of his passion is drawing near. Luke is showing us a new sense of urgency in Jesus’ life and message. There just isn’t time left for secondary things—even good, important things. For those individuals whom the Lord is calling, it’s now or never!
Second, we don’t know how they responded to Jesus’ words. Maybe there was more to the conversation; we don’t know that either. That’s because Luke is actually more interested in encouraging us, his readers, to follow Jesus than in recounting the details of an event long past. As one commentator has put it, we may not know how they responded, but we do know what our own response ought to be.7 

Bruce Epperly, Cape Cod pastor, professor, and author, shares that today’s readings ask much of us. They also present a vision of alignment with God’s Vision that unleashes divine power and the ability to be faithful to God in ways we have not previously imagined. They challenge us to think larger in terms of ethics, social responsibility, and personal empowerment.

Jesus is ultimately counseling a holistic spirituality in which all of our various “calls” and “vocations” must be balanced with one another, with no absolutes, but willingness to care for loved ones and yet look beyond family and nation, kin and allegiance, to our ultimate allegiance, the divine vision for our lives. Decisions will need to be made, and sacrifices too, but these are all ultimately for the greater good of creation and to embody our love for others as well as ourselves.8 

Friar Jude Winkler describes the generosity with which Elisha gives up his old life to follow the Prophet Elijah. The “flesh” described by Paul is similar to the sense of “concupiscence” as expressed by Augustine. Friar Jude reminds that following Jesus is always a journey and when God calls, we have to answer.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, questions our assumption about the Hebrew Testament that everything was somehow a prophecy of our religion and of Jesus Christ. This is grossly unfair to our Jewish brothers and sisters as it undercuts both the biblical meaning and role of the prophet whose power and purpose was much more immediate and concrete than foretelling the New Testament.

If we’re going to talk about biblical prophets, we need a more accurate understanding. Our starting point is an amazing, positive experience of theophany—God appearing to humans—as we see in Isaiah 6, (Isaiah 6:1-8) that fills hearts not with cynicism, sarcasm, negativity, or opposition, but with ecstasy that has to be shared. One experience of the Absolute is so absolutizing that it has the effect of relativizing everything else—including the temple, the priesthood, and sacred texts.
Consequently, the prophets’ most constant and consistent critics are those who self-identify as standard bearers of religious institutions. We see this in Jesus himself, who builds on his Jewish tradition. It’s ironic that although prophets come out of religion and religious experience, they find themselves attacked by religion itself. All too often, like Jesus, they are killed or exiled by the religious establishment.9 

The journey with Jesus, connected to our Baptismal promises, commits us to love beyond those who are close, but to be prophets of Love for all Creation.

References

1	(n.d.). 1 Kings, chapter 19 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 30, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/1kings19:26
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 16 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 30, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/16
3	(n.d.). Galatians, chapter 5 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 30, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/galatians/5
4	(n.d.). Luke, chapter 9 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 30, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/lk/9:66
5	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries - Creighton University. Retrieved June 30, 2019, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
6	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 30, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
7	(n.d.). 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Mass Readings and Catholic Daily .... Retrieved June 30, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/06/30/
8	(2019, June 20). The Adventurous Lectionary – The Third Sunday in Pentecost – June .... Retrieved June 30, 2019, from https://www.patheos.com/blogs/livingaholyadventure/2019/06/the-adventurous-lectionary-the-third-sunday-in-pentecost-june-30-2019/
9	(2019, June 30). Understanding the Prophet — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 30, 2019, from https://cac.org/understanding-the-prophet-2019-06-30/

Strengthened by the Lord

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate how the example of the faith of Peter and Paul, strengthened by the Lord, can apply to our struggles in life.

Strengthened by Spirit

The reading from Acts applies Herod’s persecution of the Christians to the imprisonment of Peter.

* [12:1–19] Herod Agrippa ruled Judea A.D. 41–44. While Luke does not assign a motive for his execution of James and his intended execution of Peter, the broad background lies in Herod’s support of Pharisaic Judaism. The Jewish Christians had lost the popularity they had had in Jerusalem (Acts 2:47), perhaps because of suspicions against them traceable to the teaching of Stephen.1 

The psalmist, fresh from the experience of being rescued (Ps 34:5, 7), can teach the “poor,” those who are defenseless, to trust in God alone.

* [Psalm 34] A thanksgiving in acrostic form, each line beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In this Psalm one letter is missing and two are in reverse order. The psalmist, fresh from the experience of being rescued (Ps 34:5, 7), can teach the “poor,” those who are defenseless, to trust in God alone (Ps 34:4, 12).2 

In the passage from the Second Letter to Timothy Paul contemplates a reward for Fidelity.

* [4:7] At the close of his life Paul could testify to the accomplishment of what Christ himself foretold concerning him at the time of his conversion, “I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name” (Acts 9:16).3 

The Gospel from Matthew is Peter’s confession about Jesus at Caesarea Philippi.

 * [16:13–20] The Marcan confession of Jesus as Messiah, made by Peter as spokesman for the other disciples (Mk 8:27–29; cf. also Lk 9:18–20), is modified significantly here. The confession is of Jesus both as Messiah and as Son of the living God (Mt 16:16). Jesus’ response, drawn principally from material peculiar to Matthew, attributes the confession to a divine revelation granted to Peter alone (Mt 16:17) and makes him the rock on which Jesus will build his church (Mt 16:18) and the disciple whose authority in the church on earth will be confirmed in heaven, i.e., by God (Mt 16:19).4

Edward Morse comments that a wise teacher once observed that gates are only a defensive weapon. Forces of darkness seem to hem us in, holding us hostage. But we must call to mind the encouragement from our Lord: those gates are to be broken down.

 The truth matters in this world, and God has given us the power to live the truth.  These gates cannot keep us from living in the truth or alienate us from the Kingdom of God.  The Church may be full of imperfect people, like Peter and like you and me, but it is the chosen means for giving us this power.    
In the meantime, if you fall, don’t give up.  The future is open, for as long as we have a future. Let us discern the good and follow virtue rather than listening to the cacophony of the mob.  Let us also attend to those who are suffering for the truth, supporting them when we can. And let us have joy in the confident hope that the Lord will also bring us safe to his heavenly Kingdom.  Thanks be to God.5

Don Schwager underlines that our rest is not payment for our work as he quotes “Only by hope,” by Basil the Great, 329-379 A.D.

"'Turn, O my soul, into your rest: for the Lord has been bountiful to you' (Psalm 114:7). The brave contestant applies to himself the consoling words, very much like to Paul, when he says: 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. For the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice.' These things the prophet also says to himself: Since you have fulfilled sufficiently the course of this life, turn then to your rest, 'for the Lord has been bountiful to you.' For, eternal rest lies before those who have struggled through the present life observant of the laws, a rest not given in payment for a debt owed for their works but provided as a grace of the munificent God for those who have hoped in him." (excerpt from HOMILIES 22)6 

The Word Among Us Meditation on 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 pictures the foot of the steps leading into St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome where stand two commanding statues, one of St. Peter and the other of St. Paul.

These are the men we are celebrating today: two pillars of the Church who gave their lives for the gospel. Two men whose writings, preaching, and witness made it possible for the Church to spread out from Jerusalem and cover the whole world.7 

Today, on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, the Word on Fire blog features an excerpt from Episode 5 of the “CATHOLICISM” series, titled “The Indispensable Men: Peter, Paul, and the Missionary Adventure.”

And more…

A Post by Franciscan Media reflects on Saints Peter and Paul’s Story.

We would probably go to confession to Peter sooner than to any of the other apostles. He is perhaps a more striking example of the simple fact of holiness. Jesus says to us as he said, in effect, to Peter: “It is not you who have chosen me, but I who have chosen you. Peter, it is not human wisdom that makes it possible for you to believe, but my Father’s revelation. I, not you, build my Church.” Paul’s experience of the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus was the driving force that made him one of the most zealous, dynamic, and courageous ambassadors of Christ the Church has ever had. But persecution, humiliation, and weakness became his day-by-day carrying of the cross, material for further transformation. The dying Christ was in him; the living Christ was his life.9

Friar Jude Winkler connects the imprisonment of Peter to the son of Herod the Great. The early Church understood the enemy may kill us but never harm us. Friar Jude notes that the writing of the Gospel of Matthew occurred after the death of Peter indicating the authority of the keys of the Kingdom is given to the Church.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Paul Swanson, one of the hosts for CAC’s Another Name for Every Thing podcast and a father of two young children, who explores how contemplation intersects with day-to-day life.

 You have taught me the fidelity of love. (I wonder what I have taught you.) This act of making you coffee is one of my practices in service to that fidelity. This process takes longer than an electric coffeemaker or walking to the coffee shop just a block away. But I like the idea of you starting the day with a creation of my love for you, whether I feel like it or not. The image of you heading out to your classroom with a roomful of students filtering in and you holding a mug containing the hand-ground, precisely poured over, slow brewed coffee that was born out of abiding love, particularly for you. Keeping your hands warm and eyes open.10

The podcast version:

The contributions of authority and Spirit filled evangelization to the Life of the Church are founded in the example of the lives of Peter and Paul.

References

1	(n.d.). Acts, chapter 12 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 29, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts/12
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 34 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 29, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/34
3	(n.d.). 2 Timothy, chapter 4 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 29, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/2timothy/4
4	(n.d.). Matthew, chapter 16 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 29, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/16
5	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries - Creighton University. Retrieved June 29, 2019, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
6	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 29, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
7	(n.d.). Saints and Peter and Paul, Apostles (Solemnity) - Mass Readings and .... Retrieved June 29, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/06/29/
8	(n.d.). Bishop Barron on Peter, Paul, and the Missionary Adventure .... Retrieved June 29, 2019, from https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/blog/bishop-barron-on-peter-paul-and-the-missionary-adventure/
9	(n.d.). Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul - Franciscan Media. Retrieved June 29, 2019, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/solemnity-of-saints-peter-and-paul/
10	(n.d.). Conscious Parenting: Weekly Summary — Center for Action and .... Retrieved June 29, 2019, from https://cac.org/conscious-parenting-weekly-summary-2019-06-29/

Heart of the Good Shepherd

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with the way in which we love as the Shepherd in caring for family and others.

Beside still waters

The passage from the Prophet Ezekiel is the Parable of the Shepherds in which God is promised as the Shepherd of Israel.

* [34:2] Shepherds: the leaders of the people. A frequent title for kings and deities in the ancient Near East; the ideal ruler took care of his subjects and anticipated their needs. Ezekiel’s oracle broadens the reference to include the whole class of Jerusalem’s leaders (v. 17). The prophet assures his audience, the exiles in Babylon, that God holds these leaders responsible for what has happened to Jerusalem and will give Israel a new shepherd worthy of the title.1 

In Psalm 23 God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed.

* [Psalm 23] God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Ps 23:1–4) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (Ps 23:5–6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Is 40:11; 49:10; Jer 31:10).2 

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans underlines the development of Hope in the gifts of Faith, Hope, and Love.

Because this fullness of salvation belongs to the future it is called the Christian hope. Paul’s Greek term for hope does not, however, suggest a note of uncertainty, to the effect: “I wonder whether God really means it.” Rather, God’s promise in the gospel fills believers with expectation and anticipation for the climactic gift of unalloyed commitment in the holy Spirit to the performance of the will of God. The persecutions that attend Christian commitment are to teach believers patience and to strengthen this hope, which will not disappoint them because the holy Spirit dwells in their hearts and imbues them with God’s love (Rom 5:5).3 

The Gospel from Luke is The Parable of the Lost Sheep told by Jesus in this Gospel and in Matthew.

* [15:1–32] To the parable of the lost sheep (Lk 15:1–7) that Luke shares with Matthew (Mt 18:12–14), Luke adds two parables (the lost coin, Lk 15:8–10; the prodigal son, Lk 15:11–32) from his own special tradition to illustrate Jesus’ particular concern for the lost and God’s love for the repentant sinner.4 

Carol Zuegner asks “Who among us hasn’t felt lost or broken?”

I am broken, but I am loved. God is with us, even in the dark valleys. He gives us the courage to do the right thing, to share that love that has been poured out into our hearts.5  

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus is Son of David and Son of God,” by Cyril of Alexandria, 375-444 A.D.

"We also will ask the Pharisees of today a similar question. They deny that he who was born of the holy Virgin is very Son of God the Father and himself also God. They also divide the one Christ into two sons. Let these people explain to us how David's Son is his Lord, not so much as to human lordship as divine. To sit at the right hand of the Father is the assurance and pledge of supreme glory. Those who share the same throne are equal also in dignity, and those who are crowned with equal honors are understood of course to be equal in nature. To sit by God can signify nothing else than sovereign authority. The throne declares to us that Christ possesses power over everything and supremacy by right of his substance. How is the Son of David David's Lord, seated at the right hand of God the Father and on the throne of Deity? Is it not altogether according to the unerring word of the mystery that the Word as God sprung from the very substance of God the Father? Being in his likeness and equal with him, he became flesh. He became man, perfectly and yet without departing from the incomparable excellence of the divine dignities. He continued in that state in which he had always been. He still was God, although he became flesh and in form like us. He is David's Lord therefore according to that which belongs to his divine glory, nature and sovereignty. He is his son according to the flesh." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 137.52)6 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 15:3-7 comments that some people would say that the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the heart of a shepherd, and with good reason... today’s Gospel gives us another insight into the kind of shepherd Jesus is: one who rejoices.

 Take some time today to consider the Sacred Heart of Jesus not just as a suffering heart but as a joyful heart. Imagine you are that lost lamb, and your shepherd is pursuing you with eagerness and determination. In your mind’s eye, see his face light up as he spots you and reaches out for you. Feel the warmth of his joy as he lifts you onto his shoulders to carry you home.7

Friar Jude Winkler sets the passage from Ezekiel and Psalm 23 in the time of the Babylonian exile when Israel was in need of a shepherd to lead them back to Jerusalem. The Gospel parable prompts us to ask if our parish budgets do enough in outreach to lost sheep. Friar Jude notes that the Good Shepherd “abandons” the 99 sheep to address the needs of the lost one.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, continues his exploration of parental love and quotes Carol Bialock, a Religious of the Sacred Heart and author of the poem “Breathing Underwater” and “Widening the Door,”

 Does the heart have a narrow door?Will it allow in just one moreof every beast and flower and birdand every song it has ever heard?
Just one more child, just one more flower,one more relinquishing of powerto that sane and sacred foolishnessof living by inclusiveness?
Does the heart have a supple, elastic latchthat makes it easy to dispatchall pettiness and bigotryand opens it to what makes us free?
. . .
You who can heal all wounds and hatemake my heart open, free, and great.
—Carol Bialock [1]8

Brené Brown who offers a parenting manifesto that can serve as a touchstone when we feel afraid or resist vulnerability, “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead”. The feast today of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Solemnity) is an opportunity to reflect on the joy and hope that our practice of a Shepherd’s Love can bring to our journey.

References

1	(n.d.). Ezekiel, chapter 34 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 28, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/ezekiel/34
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 23 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 28, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/23
3	(n.d.). Romans, chapter 5 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 28, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/romans/5
4	(n.d.). Luke, chapter 15 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 28, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/luke/15
5	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries - Creighton University. Retrieved June 28, 2019, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
6	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 28, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
7	(n.d.). The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Solemnity) - Mass Readings and .... Retrieved June 28, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/06/28/
8	(2019, June 28). The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto — Center for Action and .... Retrieved June 28, 2019, from https://cac.org/the-wholehearted-parenting-manifesto-2019-06-28/

Acting on the Word

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today underline the wholeness of choosing to live in accord with the Word.

On the Way

The Reading from Genesis is a description of the events leading up to the Birth of Ishmael.

* [16:11] Ishmael: in Hebrew the name means “God has heard.” It is the same Hebrew verb that is translated “heeded” in the next clause. In other ancient Near Eastern texts, the name commemorated the divine answer to the parents’ prayer to have a child, but here it is broadened to mean that God has “heard” Hagar’s plight. In vv. 13–14, the verb “to see” is similarly broadened to describe God’s special care for those in need.1 

In Psalm 106 Israel is invited to praise the God whose mercy has always tempered judgment of Israel.

* [Psalm 106] Israel is invited to praise the God whose mercy has always tempered judgment of Israel (Ps 106:1–3). The speaker, on behalf of all, seeks solidarity with the people, who can always count on God’s fidelity despite their sin (Ps 106:4–5).2 

The Gospel from Matthew describes the actions of a true disciple and the wisdom in building our lives on one of two foundations.

* [7:24–27] The conclusion of the discourse (cf. Lk 6:47–49). Here the relation is not between saying and doing as in Mt 7:15–23 but between hearing and doing, and the words of Jesus are applied to every Christian (everyone who listens).3 

Larry Hopp concludes we are required to carefully and faithfully “listen” to Jesus’ commands and “ACT” upon them.

This requires work and diligence in studying God’s Word and constantly praying for His will to unfold in our lives.  The story of the consequences of building our house upon a rock versus building it upon shifting sand seems so obvious.  Yet Jesus used this simple story to remind us how easy it is for us all to try to do things our way (shifting sand) instead of trusting in the unshakable foundation of God’s amazing plan for each of our lives.4 

Don Schwager quotes “ The house falls if Christ is not the rock and foundation,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).

"'For neither death nor life nor angels nor other things can separate us from the love of Christ' (Romans 8:38-39). Neither can the flooding of rivers, as in the lands of Egypt and Assyria [symbolize worldly wisdom opposed to God], do harm. Only those are harmed who build on sand, who practice the wisdom of the world. The winds that blow are like the false prophets. All these, coming together in one place, 'beat upon' the house. If it is founded on rock, they do no harm. 'The way of a snake upon a rock' is not to be found (Proverbs 30:19). But in the form of temptations and persecutions, which may mount into a flood, they beat upon even the one who seems to be well-founded. The house falls if it does not have Christ as its basis and foundation. But the truly wise person builds one's house 'upon a rock.' This is the way the Lord builds his church - upon the rock, with steadfastness and strength. This is why 'the gates of hell shall not prevail against it' (Matthew 16:18). All the persecutions that fall upon that house accomplish nothing. The house is founded upon the rock. (excerpt from FRAGMENT 153)5 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 7:21-29 comments that in today’s Gospel reading, Jesus makes it clear that name-dropping doesn’t work with him. He wants to have a real, living relationship with us. He doesn’t want us to settle for a passing acquaintance. He wants us to know him personally, just as he knows us.

What does it mean to know Jesus personally? How does anyone go about building a relationship with the eternal Son of God? It may sound awfully complicated, but it really isn’t. It’s pretty much the same way you build a relationship with anyone else. You spend time with him; you talk to him; you listen to him; you learn to trust him; you share secrets with him; you let him see you at your best and at your worst.6 

A post by Franciscan Media on Cyril of Alexandria, Saint of the Day for June 27, is a reflection on the less admirable qualities that also appear in the lives of saints.

Holiness is a gift of God to us as human beings. Life is a process. We respond to God’s gift, but sometimes with a lot of zigzagging. If Cyril had been more patient and diplomatic, the Nestorian church might not have risen and maintained power so long. But even saints must grow out of immaturity, narrowness, and selfishness. It is because they—and we—do grow, that we are truly saints, persons who live the life of God.7 

Friar Jude Winkler traces the very old story of Abraham to 1800 BCE. The conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount exhorts us to toss our life and love into God’s hands. Friar Jude observes that words are not enough for whole life.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, presents Brie Stoner who shares her experience in the Living School as a mother of young children. During one of James Finley’s sessions she declared how much harder all of this is when she is back home caring for children.

Jim said, “Ok, you be you and I’ll be God. And since I’m God, I’m watching you get up exhausted every morning, and I’m so touched that you want to spend this time with me. Really, I am! It just means the world to me. The thing is, I just can’t bear how much I love you. It’s too much! And so at a certain point I rush into the bodies of your children and wake them up because. . . .”
Jim paused. “Because I want to know what it feels like to be held by you8 

The theme of children in the texts today underlines how we are in contact with the Divine when we build our day on loving and serving them.

References

1	(n.d.). Genesis, chapter 16 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/genesis/16
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 106 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/106
3	(n.d.). Matthew, chapter 7 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/7
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries - Creighton University. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). Meditations - The Word Among Us. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/06/27/
7	(n.d.). Saint Cyril of Alexandria - Franciscan Media. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-cyril-of-alexandria/
8	(2019, June 27). God Interrupting — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from https://cac.org/god-interrupting-2019-06-27/